Chapter 68: Chapter 68
Her opposite seemed to be fine with that, his expression relaxing. “We will allow you to stay for the remainder of the day if you don’t bother us.”
“Thank you,” she said and bowed. “That’s very kind.”
And with that, the wolves turned around and left the clearing. They disappeared into the dense foliage of the woods, their howling growing distant as they moved away quickly. Elena was more than happy with the outcome and shot Ryder a stern look.
“Wasn’t this a better option than what you had in mind?” she chided and put her hands on her hips.
“How did you…”
“It wasn’t hard to tell what you were up to. Ryder, your eyes were red, and your body was tense.”
He sighed and ran his hand through his black hair. “I thought they wanted to hurt you,” he explained.
“They were just defending their territory. It’s what werewolves do, and your attitude provoked them. I have friends who are werewolves. I know how they think.”
“You’re quite the surprise, buttercup.”
“Looks like you can learn a lot from me,” she answered with a teasing tone. “Let’s go back to where we left off.”
She sat on the grass and picked up her finished flower crown, checking if it would hold together. Ryder sat next to her and watched her without a clue as to what she was up to.
“Please close your eyes,” she demanded.
“Why?”
“Just do it, Ryder,” she pouted, to which he chuckled.
“Okay.”
She leaned closer and put the flower crown on his black hair, adjusting it until she was satisfied. Her tongue stuck out from between her lips as she observed him. It looked good on him—it was meant to be a joke, but the crown really suited him. Of course, he would disagree, but that was beside the point.
“Open your eyes,” she smiled.
He already knew what she had done, a scowl distorting his features. “Buttercup, this is ridiculous,” he groaned. He reached his hands up to remove the pretty crown, but Elena wasn’t having it. She moved in quickly, nearly bumping her head against his when she caught his hands.
“Don’t,” she said, guiding his arms down to his sides. She was amused that she met no resistance on his part since he could have easily overpowered her.
Ryder didn’t hear what she said, too focused on her tempting scent and sudden closeness. His red eyes met her green ones, stunning her. Hot air fanned over her lips. He angled his head, bridging the last centimeters that separated them. His lips melded with hers.
Elena smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and letting her body fall into his embrace. Just like before, their kiss filled her with warmth and unbelievable happiness. The magic of their bond tingled on her skin, prompting her to deepen the kiss. Ryder’s loving embrace gave her all the security and joy she needed.
There was no doubt she had fallen for him.
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The moon had risen by the time Ryder and Elena returned home. She had been sleeping during the car ride, but when they arrived, she woke up and helped Ryder carry their bags inside the clan’s mansion. While Ryder was hogged by Avocado and Chump, Elena opted to spend the evening in the living room. She carried a book under her arm, planning to end the day with a relaxing novel. When she entered, the sofa was occupied by Helen and Edgar.
“Oh, hello. I didn’t want to disturb you,” Elena blurted and was about to turn back, but Helen stopped her.
“Wait,” she called, her eyes blazing with curiosity. “Tell me what happened during the trip. I want to know everything. Every single juicy detail, okay? And don’t leave out Ryder’s reaction to the sexy negligee.”
Elena would never forget Edgar’s spooked face at the idea of listening to that. He groaned, got up quickly, and fled the room, shutting the door behind him. Helen snorted, rolling her eyes. “He’ll miss the fun part.”
Elena laughed and sat down with her friend, putting her book on the coffee table. She doubted she would need it now. “Where should I start?” She put her finger on her lips, remembering what had happened during the first day. “Ryder was pretty thirsty.”
“Thirsty?” Helen cackled loudly.
“No. No, no. Not that kind of thirsty,” Elena stammered. “Well, maybe a little.” She flushed. He had been very touchy that first day… and the second too. “He drank my blood often. I think he had trouble holding back.”
“Did you seduce him?” Helen giggled.
“No?”
“You probably did without noticing, like the oblivious girl you are,” Helen smirked. “Did he like the negligee?”
She gulped, remembering his hungry stare and how desired it had made her feel. Like he was about to devour her. “He liked it,” she confirmed. “And he suddenly got thirsty when I wore it.”
“Thirsty again?” Helen snickered, slapping her thigh. “You must have made the poor man lose his mind. I can only imagine his exasperation. Ah, this is too funny.”
“We also kissed,” Elena said nonchalantly, and Helen’s jaw dropped.
“Kissed? Are you serious?” the vampire swooned. “I’ve been waiting for this since day one. You know what? Why don’t we celebrate this new development?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“There’s this nightclub called Insomnia, our clan frequents. Visiting is always worth it. Let’s go there tomorrow. How does a double date with Edgar and me sound?”
“Amazing.”
“Good. Please leave your styling and outfit to me. I want to make Ryder speechless when he sees you,” Helen said. She looked like a villain when she rubbed her hands and laughed. Elena inwardly wondered whether her friend’s plan would succeed…
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Ryder and Edgar agreed to the women’s double date idea. The following evening, Helen shooed Ryder away from Elena’s room, but he was stubborn.
“Why the fuck do I have to leave, huh?” he snapped. “She’s my soulmate.”
“Because this is a woman thing,” Helen growled. “You will get to see her for the rest of the night, but now she is mine.”
“Please, Ryder,” Elena chimed in. “It’s just for a moment.”
His glare swept from Helen to her and softened a tad. “Fine… but only because it’s you.” He cursed under his breath and left, walking off towards Chump’s room.